Racing Commission to Decide Fate of Farmington Racetrack

Proposed move of Sunray Park and Casino license from Farmington to Clovis sparks debate

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The New Mexico Racing Commission is set to vote on whether to approve the relocation of the Sunray Park and Casino license from Farmington to Clovis. The license is owned by Paul Blanchard, who believes Clovis would be a better location with a larger population base and potential to double the number of races. However, Farmington officials, led by Sam Gonsales of the San Juan County Commission, are adamantly opposed to the move and want the license to remain in Farmington.

Why it matters

The decision will have significant implications for the future of horse racing in New Mexico, with Farmington officials arguing the move would hurt the local economy, while Blanchard and Clovis officials see it as an opportunity to revitalize and expand the sport in the state.

The details

Blanchard, who also owns the Albuquerque Downs license, says the Sunray Park and Casino lease in Farmington is set to expire in two years, prompting the need to make a decision on the license's future. He believes Clovis, with a population of 700,000 within a 100-mile radius, would be a better location that could double the number of races from 18 to 36 and increase purses. However, Gonsales and other Farmington officials strongly oppose the move, arguing it would be detrimental to their community. They want the commission to consider issuing a sixth racing license in the state rather than approving the transfer to Clovis.

  • The New Mexico Racing Commission is set to vote on the proposed relocation at their next meeting.
  • The Sunray Park and Casino lease in Farmington is set to expire in two years.

The players

Paul Blanchard

Owner of the Sunray Park and Casino license, as well as the Albuquerque Downs license, who is pushing for the relocation to Clovis.

Sam Gonsales

Chair of the San Juan County Commission, who is adamantly opposed to the relocation and wants the license to remain in Farmington.

Izzy Trejo

Chair of the New Mexico Racing Commission, who has indicated that the commission has previously considered and postponed the idea of adding a sixth racing license in the state.

Mike Morris

Mayor of Clovis, who is thrilled about the prospect of having a racetrack in his city, citing the advantageous location near the airport and the large population base in the surrounding region.

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What they’re saying

“There's only two years left on the lease with Farmington, so we have to do something. We had to make a decision, and Clovis was a perfect spot for us to decide to move the racetrack and casino from Farmington.”

— Paul Blanchard (koat.com)

“They're trying to force this sale, the transfer of our license to Clovis, which is not a good deal. It's not good for the racing, it's not good for Farmington. We're not here to oppose Curry County from getting a racing license. Our object here is to keep Sunray's racing license in San Juan County, where it belongs.”

— Sam Gonsales, Chair, San Juan County Commission (koat.com)

“The proposed site is at the east edge of Clovis, which is incredibly advantageous for attracting the Lubbock and Amarillo area, the million or so folks, or even more, who are going to become the customers of Mr. Blanchard's project. And, of course, it's located very conveniently near our airport, where we have flights to Denver International and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.”

— Mike Morris, Mayor of Clovis (koat.com)

What’s next

The New Mexico Racing Commission is expected to vote on the proposed relocation of the Sunray Park and Casino license from Farmington to Clovis at their next meeting.

The takeaway

The debate over the future of the Farmington racetrack highlights the complex and often contentious nature of decisions around the horse racing industry in New Mexico, with local communities, business owners, and state regulators all vying for their interests to be heard and prioritized.